A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nottingham vs. Potsdam for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Nottingham or Potsdam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nottingham and Potsdam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a cultural, authentic, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a compact, park-filled, and historic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nottingham and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Potsdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nottingham than Potsdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nottingham is very popular for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its museums, food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nottingham is famous for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also well known for Old Market Square. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Nottingham different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Potsdam and Nottingham. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nottingham or Potsdam?

Nottingham
Potsdam

Potsdam is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Potsdam. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.


Is the Food Better in Nottingham or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nottingham
Potsdam

Potsdam is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Potsdam makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a diverse restaurant scene, although the city is quite small. There are international restaurants as well as local venues where you can try regional specialties.

Nottingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Is Nottingham or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Potsdam

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Nottingham and Potsdam.

Nottingham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

If you're looking for night time activities Potsdam has a few options to choose from. The city is not far from Berlin, so head in to Germany's nightlife capital for the most famous clubs and venues. In the town of Potsdam there are cocktail bars and breweries that make for a mellow and relaxed evening.

Is Nottingham or Potsdam Better for Music?

Nottingham
Potsdam

Nottingham is very good for its live music scene. However, Potsdam is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Nottingham. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Potsdam is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Potsdam?

Nottingham
Potsdam

Nottingham is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Nottingham is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

Potsdam has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Is Nottingham or Potsdam Better for Families?

Nottingham
Potsdam

Both Nottingham and Potsdam are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nottingham. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

Potsdam offers lots of family activities. There are a number of playgrounds around town as well as several beaches by lakes that are fun for kids. Another highlight for families is a visit to Babelsberg Film Studios.

Is Nottingham or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Potsdam

Both Nottingham and Potsdam are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nottingham is a nice destination for couples. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Potsdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Exploring the city and soaking up the sights is the best way for couples to enjoy their time. There are some nice hotels and restaurants in the area that make for a great date night.


Is Nottingham or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nottingham
Potsdam

Potsdam is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Potsdam is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Nottingham or Potsdam Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nottingham
Potsdam

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Nottingham and Potsdam.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nottingham. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

Public transit in Potsdam can get you to some places easily. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Is Nottingham or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Potsdam

Nottingham and Potsdam both are superb when exploring on foot.

Nottingham is very walkable. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

Potsdam is a very walkable city. It's a smaller, compact city that can mostly be explored on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Nottingham Worth Visiting? and Is Potsdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nottingham or Potsdam to fill your time. In our opinion, Potsdam has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Potsdam than Nottingham. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Potsdam than Nottingham. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Potsdam, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Potsdam than Nottingham if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Potsdam.


  • How many days in Nottingham or Potsdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nottingham 1-2 
    Potsdam 1-2

One day in Nottingham or Potsdam?

In Nottingham, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With museums and nightlife around the park-filled city of Potsdam, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Potsdam, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Nottingham or Potsdam?

In Nottingham, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nottingham has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Potsdam, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Nottingham or Potsdam?

Nottingham is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Potsdam, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Nottingham or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nottingham. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Nottingham. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Potsdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Nottingham?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £117, while the average daily cost in Potsdam is £95. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nottingham and Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Potsdam £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Potsdam £102
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham or Potsdam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nottingham


Hotels in Potsdam


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nottingham Hotel Prices and Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Potsdam £24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough City Transfer: $35
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $76
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $210
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $55
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $80
  • Private Transfer from Loughborough to East Midlands Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $224

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam and Nottingham change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nottingham £36
    Potsdam £26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nottingham £28
    Potsdam £22

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

Here are a few actual costs in Nottingham for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Stamford Town Guided Tours: $13
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $17
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $18
  • Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham Guided Tour: $25
  • Baroness Bolsover's Town Tour with Afternoon Tea: $32
  • Whatsapp Murder Mystery Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Private Immersive Play Wall Experience in Nottingham: $89
  • Half-Day Spa Experiences : $103
  • Stamford and Oakham Private Tour: $114
  • Lincoln Private Walking Tour: $140
  • Private City Walking Tour: $144

Tours and Activities in Potsdam

Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of the Garden's Landmarks: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of City Center: $8.45
  • Museum Barberini Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cecilienhof Castle Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket: $16
  • In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Potsdam £5.73

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nottingham and Potsdam, we can see that Nottingham is more expensive. And not only is Potsdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Potsdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Potsdam and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Nottingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nottingham than you might in Potsdam.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nottingham Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Potsdam?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham and Potsdam, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Nottingham or Potsdam?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nottingham or Potsdam in the Summer?

Both Potsdam and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Nottingham is cooler than Potsdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nottingham in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Potsdam averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Potsdam. Nottingham usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Potsdam. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam and Nottingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nottingham is generally around the same temperature as Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Potsdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Potsdam. The winter months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Potsdam in the winter. The weather in Nottingham can be very cold. Nottingham is much warmer than Potsdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during winter. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nottingham usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Potsdam. The activities around the city are the main draw to Nottingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nottingham is cooler than Potsdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nottingham in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Potsdam averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Potsdam. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Nottingham

Nottingham Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)


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